Solutions to win: Lviv’s theater raises over $65,000 for Ukraine’s armed forces through “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” charity premiere

The Mariia Zankovetska National Theater in Lviv raised 2.7 million hryvnias for Ukraine's armed forces during a charity pre-premiere performance of the musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

The Mariia Zankovetska National Theater reports this on Facebook.

"We are pleased to announce that the charity pre-premiere performance of the musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" raised 2.7 million hryvnias for Ukraine's armed forces!

This is good news and help for our soldiers who defend the state and our freedom!" the message reads.

It was clarified there that the funds were raised thanks to the sale of tickets and charitable contributions.

The Mariia Zankovetska National Theater in Lviv recently debuted its new musical, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," with premiere performances on September 21 and 22.

The musical was based on the novel of the same name by British writer Roald Dahl. The book tells the story of a boy from a humble family who discovers a golden ticket for a tour of the enigmatic Willy Wonka's candy factory. It is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

"In 2024, the 60th anniversary of the first publication of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be celebrated. Despite its age, the work remains incredibly popular, with its excellent film adaptations, theatrical productions, Broadway musicals, and books still selling at astounding rates in countries worldwide.

Childhood smells like chocolate. While some were fortunate enough to enjoy it every day, others, like Charlie, could only gaze longingly at the pastry shop window in hopes of catching a glimpse of the coveted candy.

His family is willing to go above and beyond for him, but sometimes circumstances can hinder them from even buying a full head of cabbage. However, Charlie doesn't let this bother him, as showing care and affection to his loved ones is priceless. Moreover, his faith in miracles colours his humble childhood," the message reads.

A Ukrainian translation of David Greig's libretto was done by Viktor Morozov, a well-known translator who has also worked on popular books such as Harry Potter, works by Paulo Coelho and Ernest Hemingway, as well as the novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

The play's director is Nataliia Sivanenko ("Legends of Kyiv" at the Theater of Drama and Comedy on the Left Bank, "Scars" at the Wild Theater, "Love Revolution" at the Golden Gate Theater, and "Fuel" at the Zankovetska Theater). Yuliia Zaulychna was responsible for the scenography and costume design, while Lidiia Soklakova handled the choreography.

The lead role of the boy, Charlie, is played by actor Yaroslav Derpak in the stage production. The beloved confectionery wizard, Willy Wonka, is portrayed by esteemed Ukrainian artists Oleh Sikyrynskyi and Yurii Khvostenko.

The original musical was produced in the West End and on Broadway by Warner Bros. Theater Ventures.

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It should be noted that the documentary play "Diary of War: Women" premiere was held at the Brooklyn Center for Theater Studies in New York. American actresses read the stories of Ukrainian women who survived a full-scale Russian invasion.